UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE
HarperCollins Publishers
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Two weeks later, Nikolai waited outside Fisk Hall at Northwestern University until every student left. Then he checked the lecture room to make sure no one remained. That was the last class on his list. Still no Becca.
He’d spent the past two days checking every class required for incoming freshman. He’d visited the dining halls and even located the freshman dorms. He asked every girl if they recognized Becca’s picture. No one did.
Sadly, the only pictures he had of her were taken by paparazzi. Maybe he should be thankful for their photographic skills after all.
Nikolai sighed. If Becca were here, he’d have found her by now. He pulled out his phone and called Dmitri.
“That’s it. I can’t find her.”
“I’m sorry, sir,” Dmitri said.
After a long heart-to-heart conversation with his parents, he’d convinced them that Dmitri was the ultimate loyal employee and the man was rehired.
“When I first met Becca, I bumped into her everywhere I turned. Now, no matter how hard I try, nothing.”
“Perhaps fate only meant for you to be together for that one week. She obviously made a major impact on your life. Maybe that’s why you met her. You’re in a much better place than you were two months ago.”
Nikolai still couldn’t believe how his parents had done a one-eighty on their control of his life. They even seemed relieved at some of the new changes that were taking place in Mondovia.
“Maybe. I just can’t believe it’s really over. I was so sure I’d find her.”
“On the bright side, now you can start your new adventure knowing you did everything you could to locate her.”
While his parents said they no longer expected him to enter the military, they insisted he go to university, but in another shocking move, they said he didn’t need to start until the following fall.
“I guess. I’ll check in with you once I reach the airport,” Nikolai said.
“Very good.”
But he couldn’t imagine ever feeling settled with this giant hole in his heart. As he walked back to his hotel, he saw the dining hall with students coming and going and decided to give it one final try.
After a few minutes of students barely glancing at the photo as they passed, Nikolai held out the photo to a guy with his hair buzzed short and wearing a small gold hoop earring.
“Excuse me. Do you know this girl?”
The guy glanced at the photo and suddenly stopped short. “Yeah, I do. That’s Becca Hanson.”
Nikolai couldn’t believe it. If he’d gone straight to his hotel, he’d have missed this guy. “Oh my God, you have no idea how great this is. Do you know what dorm she’s in or how I can get in touch with her?”
The guy looked at Nikolai closer. “I know you! You’re that prince she was with in Europe.”
Taken aback, Nikolai nodded. “Yes, I am. May I ask how you know this?”
“I’m friends with her brother.”
“Dylan!” It took everything he had not to shout with joy. This was definitely a guy who knew Becca.
“Yes, I’m Marcus. How ya doing?” He held out his hand and Nikolai happily shook his meaty grip.
“It’s great to meet you. I’m Nikolai. So can you take me to her dorm?”
“Actually, that would be impossible.”
“Why’s that?”
“She’s not here. She never started school. She’s off on some trip to Central America.”
“Are you sure?” He’d been so certain she said she’d be attending Northwestern.
“I don’t know the exact location, but I can guarantee she’s not here.”
Nikolai’s brain kicked into high gear. If she was off in some remote country, how the heck could he find her? Would she even have cell service? “Do you happen to have her phone number?”
“Sorry, I don’t. But I have her home phone and Dylan’s cell.” He pulled out his phone.
“That’s perfect.” Nikolai entered the two numbers into his phone. “Marcus, I can’t thank you enough. You have no idea.”
“How about a picture?” Marcus asked.
“Sure, why not.” Nikolai posed beside Marcus as he held his phone before them and snapped a picture. “Dylan is going to flip when he sees this. Hey, we’re having a party tonight. You should stop by. Everyone would totally flip out if you walked in.”
He smiled. “Thanks, but I’ve got some calls to make and a plane to catch. It’s been great meeting you.”
“No problem, but if you change your mind, we’re the Phi Sig house on the north edge of campus.”
“I wish I could. Thanks again.” Nikolai headed off, flying high. He was so much closer to being with Becca.